The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has intensified its propaganda efforts against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan with the release of the 36th issue of its “Voice of Khorasan” magazine. The latest edition, published by ISKP’s Al Azaim media wing, features a scathing critique of the Afghan Taliban, accusing them of oppressing Muslims and questioning their relations with the international community and the Doha Agreement.
In addition to the condemnation of the Taliban, the magazine takes aim at India, criticizing the country’s system of government, the conditions of Muslims there, and Afghanistan’s relations with India. The publication covers a diverse range of topics, including religious subjects related to Eid ul Adha, calls for donations to support ISKP’s activities, and a discussion on climate change.
Notably, the magazine includes a continuation of a series on online security, providing tactics for cyber security and social media usage aimed at evading detection by authorities. This emphasis on digital strategies highlights ISKP’s recognition of the importance of leveraging online platforms for propaganda and recruitment purposes.
The release of the “Voice of Khorasan” magazine comes amid escalating tensions between ISKP and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, ISKP has been actively involved in orchestrating attacks throughout the country, accusing the Taliban regime of being “apostate” and fueling the violent conflict between the two groups.
ISKP’s robust propaganda strategy, as exemplified by the “Voice of Khorasan” magazine, underscores the group’s efforts to delegitimize the Taliban’s ideological legitimacy and its relations with the international community.
Analysts warn that military means alone will not be sufficient to overcome the ideological challenge posed by ISKP in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group’s strong emphasis on propaganda, its ability to leverage social media platforms, and its criticism of the Taliban’s engagement with the international community highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy to counter its narrative and undermine its appeal among potential recruits.